Limited information is available via the phone for one document only- recording date, book and page number, and instrument number. We cannot read any other information off of documents for liability reasons. If more information is needed, please come into the office or contact a title searcher.back to the top

May I receive a copy of my document?

As long as the document has been recorded, yes. All we need to look up a document is the full name of the person on the document. Location and date helps, but are not required. All the documents are public record, so anyone can obtain a copy for anyone else.back to the top

Can I view recorded documents from home?

Yes, but only from 1981 and onward. Please visit Landex Webstore if there are only a few documents to view, or Landex Remote if there are several documents to view. back to the top

How can I record my document?

In person, through the mail, or through Simplifile or Ingeo. All documents require a self addressed, stamped envelope to return them, and a check/cash for the recording fee. The documents must first go into the Assessment Office, where the parcel number is certified. Then the documents must go to the Recorder's office for recordation and collection of fees.back to the top

How long does it take to receive my recorded document back?

Anywhere from four to eight weeks after being recorded, based on work load. The documents must be scanned, proofed, indexed, and verified before being returned.back to the top

How many checks do I need when recording a deed?

York County does not require separate checks for transfer taxes. One check may be used, or you can use three checks. Whichever you prefer.back to the top

What do I need to record a subdivision plan?

The original subdivision plan on paper or mylar. It must be signed and notarized by the property owners. It must also be signed by the local township within 90 days, and signed by the York County Planning Commission. It also needs certified by parcel certification, located in the assessment office.back to the top

What documents do you record?

Over 50 different documents. Please review our fee schedule page for a complete list and price of recordable documents.back to the top

Can you record a copy of my document?

No. Document must have original signatures and notary stamps. A certified document from another county (not York County) can be recorded.back to the top

Can you change/add/delete a name on my deed for me?

No. A new deed must be created in order to make any changes. Please consult an attorney.back to the top

Do you send my deed once my home is paid off?

No. A deed is for the property. Deed should have been received after time of settlement. Copies of the deed may be obtained at any time.back to the top

How do I know if my mortgage is paid off?

The lender will submit a satisfaction piece to be recorded, which explains the mortgage is paid in full. The mortgage company may or may not send you a copy of that document- it is their discretion. You do not receive a deed when the mortgage is paid off, the deed should have already been received when first purchased.back to the top

Do you have a deed for my mobile home or trailer?

If you own the land that the mobile home is on, yes. If not, then no. Please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for a title to your mobile home.back to the top

If a house is erected on my property, do I receive a new deed?

No, the deed is for property only. Anything built upon the property is that of the property owners.back to the top

Who executes a satisfaction/release of mortgage?

The holder of the mortgage (the lender) has to execute a satisfaction or release of mortgage.back to the top

What do I do if I paid my mortgage off but there’s no record of it?

Consult the mortgage holder and let them know of the discrepancy. The mortgage holder must submit a satisfaction piece to our office in order for the mortgage to be considered paid in full.back to the top

Is it possible to keep a property transfer from appearing in the newspaper?

No. All transfers are emailed to the newspaper company. There are no exceptions.back to the top

Do I need a copy of the mortgage in order to submit a satisfaction piece?

No. We do not require a copy of the mortgage to be submitted with the satisfaction piece.back to the top

Do I need a PA Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value form when recording my deed?

If you are claiming exemption from transfer taxes, yes. If you are paying a different consideration than stated on the front of the deed, yes. Be sure to fill out the entire statement of value form and include any attachments it may call for. This form is sent to the Department of Revenue and investigated. The Statement of Value increases the recording fee by $2. The form can be obtained here.back to the top

What other documents require a PA Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value form?

Right of way (unless it's for a utility), easement (unless it's for a utility), memorandum of lease, or any other document where a transfer tax is not being paid, or paid in an amount other than stated on the document. If unsure, please contact the office.back to the top

Do I need to pay transfer tax if transferring a deed to my parents (child, sibling, grandparent)?

No, as long as the deed states “transfer from a father to son, etc” it will be tax exempt. Consult an attorney to make certain the transfer is fully exempt.back to the top

What is a common level ratio?

A state ratio based on the sales of real estate to adjust fair market values to a more realistic figure. Please contact us for the current common level ratio.back to the top

Can you complete a title search for me?

No. Office employees are not permitted to search titles. We can show you how to use the computers but cannot do any searches for you. Please consult a title searcher, abstracting company, or an attorney.back to the top

How do I check for right of ways or easements on my property?

You can come into the office and search on our computers, or contact a title searcher. Office employees are not allowed to complete searches.back to the top

Can I search for liens in your office?

Not fully. The only liens in our office are mortgages, which need signed by the borrower. All other liens and judgments are located in the Office of the Prothonotary.back to the top

Do you have the plot plan for my development?

If it was recorded, yes. Refer to your deed’s property description and look for any indication stating “plan recorded in Plan Book __ page number __". Not all plot plans were recorded.back to the top

Why should I record my military discharge or DD-214?

In the event of misplacing the original, it is a good idea to record it. You can receive up to three certified copies, and must present photo identification in order to receive those copies. It is free of charge to record.back to the top

How can I figure out who owns a certain property?

The York County GIS Website can verify ownership of any property in York County. Or you can go into assessment office or our office. The complete street address is required to verify ownership.back to the top

How can I figure out who used to own my property?

Review the recital in your current deed. It’s usually after the property description and begins with “It being the same premises which…” followed by a deed book and page number. Go to that book and page number, and repeat the process.back to the top

Do I have to search through books or a computer to find documents?

Nearly all of our documents are available on the public computer terminals, including most of the index books to find older documents. If the page is illegible on the computer, microfilm and books are available.back to the top

Can you figure out my family genealogy?

No. Access to various land records are available, but employees cannot determine genealogy or trace back properties. Please consult the York County Archives for documents other than land records in regards to genealogical research.back to the top

What is the process if I’m a new or renewing notary?

After all your paperwork is completed by your bonding/insurance company, come to the Recorder of Deeds office with the bond, power of attorney, photo identification, and cash or business check for $40.50. Effective October 26, 2017 the price will change to $38.50, and will still need all of the above mentioned items.back to the top

Can I obtain a birth/marriage/death certificate from you?

No, please visit the Clerk of Orphans' Court in the Judicial Center for marriage certificates and the PA Department of Health for information in regards to the other certificates.back to the top

How can I find my property boundaries?

Refer to the property description section of your deed. We are unable to do the calculations to convert to common measurements. Please consult a surveyor to mark your property.back to the top

Is there a notary available in your office?

There is not a notary available in the Recorder of Deeds office.back to the top

Can I obtain legal advice from your office?

No. The Recorder of Deed's office staff are not permitted to give any legal of advice, please consult an attorney.back to the top

Can I obtain blank templates of documents in your office?

No. For document creation, please consult an attorney. We have an example generic satisfaction piece that must be completed in full by the lender, but nothing else.back to the top

Can I use my cell phone or camera to take photos of documents in the Recorder of Deeds' Office?

No. The use of a camera, cell phone or any image-capturing equipment to take pictures or scan the contents of any books or computer screens in the Recorder of Deeds' office is prohibited pursuant to a policy instituted November 25, 2008.